New attractions revealed for Torquay's biggest Christmas light trail
The free Illumination Trail, which is fully accessible, will run every evening from November 28 until January 3, 2027, with 19 major installations and 11 additional displays along a 1.5-mile trail.
Torquay's seafront is preparing to come alive with colour once again this Christmas, with some exciting new additions promising to make this year's festivities a little different.
Interactive smoke bubbles, an immersive sound and light experience and a new festive wheel are among the attractions announced for this year's Bay of Lights, which returns to the English Riviera on Saturday, November 28.
Now in its fifth year, the popular festive event will once again transform Torquay's waterfront into a colourful display of illuminations, with 19 major installations and 11 additional displays along a 1.5-mile trail.
Among the new features for 2026 are interactive smoke bubbles within the Rainbow Maze at Abbey Gardens and a sound and light experience at The Banjo.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy views across the waterfront from a new festive wheel on Torquay harbourside.
The free Illumination Trail, which is fully accessible, will run every evening from November 28 until January 3, 2027.
The celebrations will begin with an opening-night event on Torquay's harbourside, featuring live music and entertainment from 4.30pm.
The official Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 7.20pm, followed by a free fireworks display at 8pm.
Elsewhere, the popular ice rink will return to Abbey Park following its debut last year, when more than 17,000 people took to the ice.
This year's covered rink will be larger, with capacity for up to 120 skaters per session and a new viewing platform for spectators.
It will operate daily from November 28 until January 3, excluding Christmas Day, with advance booking recommended.
Christmas shoppers will also be able to visit Torre Abbey, where a festive market featuring independent traders, artisans and local food producers will run from November 28 until December 20.
The historic building will also host the returning Alive with Light projection, illuminating its walls each evening.
The wider Bay of Lights programme will extend beyond Torquay, with Brixham hosting its Lanterns, Lights and 'Luminations celebrations on November 20 and 21.
Paignton will also welcome a new event, Neon Nights, on December 4 and 5.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council's Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture, Events and Corporate Services, said the authority had worked to make this year's celebrations “bigger and brighter than ever.”
The event is being delivered by Torbay Council in partnership with the English Riviera BID Company.
Visitors will also be able to take advantage of a seasonal parking promotion at selected council car parks between November 28 and January 3.
Under the offer, motorists can pay for one hour and stay for the day, subject to restrictions at certain locations.
While some attractions, including the ice rink, require paid tickets, the main Illumination Trail and opening-night celebrations are free to attend.